Bonier plan backfires 013097 - The Augusta Chronicle

By Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., believes there's an ethical double standard when it comes to conservatives. It often appears that way, but he may take comfort in that all journalists have two missions: They can be adversarial toward whoever wields power, and they love a good story!

Both of these things will take a toll on Bill Clinton over ongoing fund-raising scandals. They're also working against Rep. David Bonior, D-Mich., and the get-Newt crowd.

Bonior, who even friends say has become obsessed with the GOP speaker, actually sent word to the infamous couple who taped Gingrich's cellular phone call that they could expect "immunity" if they forked over the illegal goods.

Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., is the man accused of actually delivering the tape, not to his Ethics Committee colleagues, but to a friendly New York Times reporter in the belief this would nail Newt.

It all seemed like a good idea at the time - except now the FBI is investigating what is likely to be deemed the commission of a felony.

It's ironic that Bonior, who encouraged someone to break the law (if he didn't break it himself), regards Gingrich as someone who didn't play by the rules because he didn't get good legal advice on funding his college course. Now Newt has a real double standard he can hammer home!